3rd place: 2009 Acura RDX Technology
The RDX is the most unusual of the bunch. Some like its looks, some don't. Like the CX-7, Acura's small SUV has a design that is aging, if only because there are newcomers in its category.
It's the same thing inside. The cockpit in our test vehicle had a peculiar mix of beige, charcoal and silver, and the dashboard's shelf-like design won't win any awards. And in typical Acura fashion, the RDX is plagued with a fussy centre stack that hosts a gazillion buttons; after a while, though, a certain layout logic sets in.
This Technology model is equipped with a navigation system, but its voice command setup is far from intuitive. The RDX also has the most complex Bluetooth connectivity procedure for our cell phones and Blackberries.
Front-seat space was deemed adequate and the front seats were considered very comfortable and supportive. Rear-seat occupants will be at ease but would prefer having a little more legroom, and cargo space is better than in the CX-7 and GLK350. The Acura's sound insulation is quite good, which means you clearly hear the turbocharger every time it spools up, which some find rather amusing.
Performance-wise, the RDX checks in. Zero to 100 km/h takes 7.8 seconds, and the turbo intervenes with the subtleness of a kick in the butt with steel-capped boots. Unfortunately, the best acceleration times weren't recorded using the paddle shifters, as the 5-speed auto in manual mode has a mind of its own and still changes gears by itself.
The Acura was one of two SUVs in the test that still had its winter tires on; braking performance and manoeuvrability suffered accordingly. Yet the RDX's ride was still judged as stiff around town; we know by previous drives that it gets worse with performance all-season rubber. It benefits from sharp handling, thanks in part to its reactive all-wheel drive system.
On a more positive note, the RDX was the most fuel-efficient of the quintet during the comparison test, recording an average of only 9.8 L/100 km. We recalculated our numbers several times to make sure, as we were expecting a much higher result.
"The RDX is in search of an identity. Yet if you want performance but need the space, this Acura will serve you well." -Michel Deslauriers
The RDX is the most unusual of the bunch. Some like its looks, some don't. Like the CX-7, Acura's small SUV has a design that is aging, if only because there are newcomers in its category.
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| The RDX was the most fuel-efficient of the quintet during the comparison test. |
It's the same thing inside. The cockpit in our test vehicle had a peculiar mix of beige, charcoal and silver, and the dashboard's shelf-like design won't win any awards. And in typical Acura fashion, the RDX is plagued with a fussy centre stack that hosts a gazillion buttons; after a while, though, a certain layout logic sets in.
This Technology model is equipped with a navigation system, but its voice command setup is far from intuitive. The RDX also has the most complex Bluetooth connectivity procedure for our cell phones and Blackberries.
Front-seat space was deemed adequate and the front seats were considered very comfortable and supportive. Rear-seat occupants will be at ease but would prefer having a little more legroom, and cargo space is better than in the CX-7 and GLK350. The Acura's sound insulation is quite good, which means you clearly hear the turbocharger every time it spools up, which some find rather amusing.
Performance-wise, the RDX checks in. Zero to 100 km/h takes 7.8 seconds, and the turbo intervenes with the subtleness of a kick in the butt with steel-capped boots. Unfortunately, the best acceleration times weren't recorded using the paddle shifters, as the 5-speed auto in manual mode has a mind of its own and still changes gears by itself.
The Acura was one of two SUVs in the test that still had its winter tires on; braking performance and manoeuvrability suffered accordingly. Yet the RDX's ride was still judged as stiff around town; we know by previous drives that it gets worse with performance all-season rubber. It benefits from sharp handling, thanks in part to its reactive all-wheel drive system.
On a more positive note, the RDX was the most fuel-efficient of the quintet during the comparison test, recording an average of only 9.8 L/100 km. We recalculated our numbers several times to make sure, as we were expecting a much higher result.
"The RDX is in search of an identity. Yet if you want performance but need the space, this Acura will serve you well." -Michel Deslauriers
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| Front-seat space was deemed adequate and the front seats were considered very comfortable and supportive. |